Emotionally Compromised (Emotionally Compromised Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

tirade. I wonder if she is studying for that. The memory of the argument makes a smile play upon my lips, which I find odd, because I have never felt so embarrassed before. That girl had me grasping at straws. Last night, she refused to do anything that involved me—talking, staring, getting a ride—but why? And do I care? That's the part I wish I could shake.
    " Sir! Sir?"
    Dragging me away from my thoughts, I realize the cashier is shouting at me. I feel stupid for being distracted. I apologize profusely, order my mocha, and decide to give a large tip.
    I peer over at Alex. Now she is gnawing on her pencil. It's adorable. Is she nervous? Maybe I could make her more nervous. The challenge excites me. I may never get another chance to talk to this girl again. I wanted this exact moment, didn't I? This last chance?
    That hair is beautifully distracting. So full, curly , and messy as it practically devours her face. Sexy doesn't do it justice. I wistfully imagine running my fingers through it.
    My order appears on the counter. I grab it and make my way toward her. This could be fun, or it could be horrible like the other rejections.
    However, I appreciate a good challenge.

CHAPTER FIVE
    Doing the Right Thing
     
     
     
     
    ALEX TURNER
    "Hello , Alex."
    I hear a whisper in my ear, and I can tell who it is by the tone and how close his lips are to my ear. My throat goes dry at the thought as I peer up at the looming Jeremy Hunt, who is smiling at me.
    Why is he always smiling at me like that? It makes my gut clench . What is he doing here?
    He's wearing a tight black V-neck that makes all his muscles visible as he moves, and his fitted denim jeans hang on his hips. His blond hair looks win dblown, and those piercing blue eyes are exactly as I remember them—they always feel like they are swallowing me whole. I gulp at the thought.
    All I can manage is a weak smirk as I start to become confused. Why would he approach me here? At least I don't have to follow any rules out here in the open. I am also armed, which I find reassuring.
    "Mind if I join you?" His arm gestures toward the empty chair next to me.
    "Why?" I ask. Agent Turner, you have no filter.
    He laughs, though almost offended. "Because."
    "That isn't a reason," I quip.
    He huffs, pulls out the chair anyway, and takes a seat. My eyebrows furrow at his direct defiance, but I still can't stop my heart from beating so hard. Why does he have to be so damn attractive? I look like a mess. I came here for a last-minute study session. I cannot focus with this Greek god of a human being sitting here, staring at me with those picture-perfect eyes. He's still an arrogant asshole— don't forget that, Alex; stand your ground. Oh, and let's not forget my job being on the line ... potentially.
    He places his coffee on the table. His stark look makes me melt as he asks, "Why are you so mean to me?"
    He avoids eye contact. Am I making him nervous?
    The question shocks me. I guess I never thought of it that way. I swallow hard. "I'm sorry. I am just trying to protect myself."
    He turns back to me. "Protect yourself? What do you mean? From whom?"
    I smile over the fact that he seems to be as frazzled as me with this encounter.
    "From you, of course, Mr. Hunt."
    "I told you, it's Jeremy. And that's ridiculous."
    I laugh, which makes him laugh too. He reveals his full grin, making my heart skip a beat.
    " Ridiculous ? Did you just say it's ridiculous? It's not ridiculous. I know how you try and manipulate women, Mr. Hunt." I enunciate the T sharply.
    His smile vanishes, and his eyes search mine for something, but for what?
    "You think I manipulate women?" He tilts his head. I think he's debating whether he should be offended. I should not reveal how much I know about him, but he should know most of it is public knowledge.
    I set my pencil on my book and sigh, decid ing how honest I want to be.
    "Is manipulation too harsh of a word for you?" I ask a little too sternly.
    "I guess I didn't